COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Concerns about domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic, when residents are told to stay home, has led to the start of a new texting line for victims to contact in Columbus.
City Attorney Zach Klein announced that the service will get victims in contact with his office's Domestic Violence and stalking Unit, with the texting helping if the victim is within earshot of their abuser.
Victims are encouraged to provide a name, a safe time to communicate, and an email address or phone number where they can be reached. Victims are also encouraged to delete the message once it is sent, for their own safety.
Klein also reiterates that if a victim is in immediate danger to call or text 911. He noted that with the stay-at-home order in effect for most of March, there was an uptick in the number of domestic violence calls.
(photo courtesy Getty Images)